Gambling harm stigma
We have funded ambitious independent research to build our understanding of stigmatisation of gambling harms, and lived experiences of stigmatisation, in Great Britain today.
The study was funded because, although our 2022 scoping study found that the stigmatisation of gambling harms is similar to other health stigmas, we still did not know enough about how people who experience gambling harms are stigmatised in society, and what their experience is of this.
We’ve therefore now funded an 18-month research programme within communities of people with lived experience of gambling harms and stigmatisation. This involved a population-wide survey and qualitative interviews and analysis to establish how, where and why people who experience gambling harms in Great Britain are stigmatised. The research will be published to amplify recommendations to challenge and end this stigmatisation.
Four peer-reviewed grey literature publications based on this research are due to be published by the end of 2024.
Read our research projects on stigmatisation and its effects on people experiencing gambling harms.
Two in three adults (64%) experiencing problems with gambling have never spoken about it to anyone
The findings from our research on stigma have directly contributed to the design of our major media ‘stigma campaign’. This campaign urges people to break down the stigma associated with gambling problems so that people affected by them feel able to come forward and get the support they need.
Our ‘Let’s Open Up About Gambling’ campaign aimed to reduce the stigma associated with gambling harms. It challenged society’s perceptions of people experiencing gambling harms and presented seeking help as ‘normal’ behaviour and encouraged people to take action.
The campaign aimed to reach those experiencing at least moderate problems with their gambling (PGSI 3+), to encourage them to open up about gambling and seek advice by visiting our website for free advice, tools and support.
The stigma research demonstrated the high level of stigma towards those experiencing gambling harms in Great Britain. It showed the importance of tackling this stigma, because it prevents people acknowledging that they’re experiencing gambling harms, ‘coming out’ and seeking support. Stigma also causes harm in itself.
Our research also helps identify what works best when trying to reduce stigma through communications. This includes using empathetic and non-judgemental language, using the voices of people with lived experience and encouraging conversations about gambling harm.
Our language guide shows how to reduce the stigma of gambling harms through language.
We advertise all our live funding opportunities on our website.
Read the latest updates on gambling harm stigma on our news page.
Unfortunately, this service is for UK residents only. You can find out more about international support here.